Rack for Drinking Vessels

ABSTRACT

A rack with a rack body and a releasable locking portion holds two or more drinking vessels. The rack body includes a first and second locating devices, and a capture device to releasably capture the releasable locking portion. The releasable locking portion includes a first engagement device to engage with the capture device, and a second engagement device to engage with a second sector of each vessel base such that each vessel is prevented from moving in two perpendicular directions as a consequence of interaction between the vessel base, the second engagement device, and the first locating device, and is prevented from moving in a third perpendicular direction as a consequence of interaction between the second locating device and the upstanding portion.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a rack adapted to facilitate storing and/ortransporting and/or cleaning of drinking vessels such as glassware andother containers.

BACKGROUND

This invention is specifically directed to dealing with drinking vesselsthat have a wasted area adjacent the vessel base, or more particularly,have a broader base portion, then a narrowed section moving up thevessel from the base, and then, optionally, broaden out again.

The invention has particular, although not exclusive, application towine glasses, especially when several of such glasses are used atsubstantially the same time, as is common at wine tasting situations andevents, like in winery tasting rooms and like environments where tastingand comparing of wines occurs.

Visitors to a winery often taste several different wines in succession.Each wine is tasted in a separate glass, meaning that typically four,five or even more, glasses may be used in a tasting session by eachperson. Carrying around that number of glasses can be difficult.Particularly if the taster wishes to take the glasses any distance awayfrom the location where the tasting sample has been poured so as tosample the wines at their leisure.

Presently it is relatively common for wineries to provide a tray tocarry a flight of tasting glasses to be carried from where the wine hasbeen poured to, for example, a table for convenient, leisurely andcontemplative imbibing.

While numerous tray designs exist, typically the tray may contain alocating well for the base of each glass so as to provide a degree ofstability during transport, however, wine glasses tend to be tall, andthe trays tend to be narrow. Safely carrying the trays any distance canbe something of a challenge.

Further, where wineries do provide wines for tasting in a flight ofglasses collecting the glasses up can involve significant time andtherefore labour expense.

Once collected, subsequent loading of dirty glasses into a mechanisedwashing facility, such as a commercial dishwasher, can also be very timeconsuming, with each glass needing to be individually placed so asminimize contact between adjacent glasses and so avoid breakage fromglasses knocking together.

Similar problems to those identified above occur, for example, in spirit(for example whiskey) or beer tastings where multiple glasses are usedat one time to enable comparison of the beverages.

It is an object of the invention to provide a rack for holding drinkingvessels which overcomes at least some of the abovementioned problems, orwhich at least provides the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a broad aspect of the invention there is provided a rackto, in use, hold two or more drinking vessels, the rack comprising arack body and a releasable locking portion, the rack body including afirst locating means to, in use, locate against a first sector of thebase of each said drinking vessel, a second locating means to, in use,locate against a portion of each said drinking vessel upstanding fromthe said vessel base, and capture means to releasably capture thereleasable locking portion, the releasable locking portion includingfirst engagement means to engage with the capture means of the rackbody, and further including second engagement means to, in use, engagewith a second sector of each said vessel base such that once in positioneach said vessel is prevented from moving in two perpendiculardirections as a consequence of interaction between the vessel base, thesecond engagement means of the releasable locking portion, and the firstlocating means of the rack body, and is prevented from moving in a thirdperpendicular direction as a consequence of interaction between thesecond locating means of the rack body and the upstanding portion of thesaid vessel.

It is acknowledged that the terms “comprise”, “comprises” and“comprising” may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with eitheran exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of thisspecification, and unless otherwise noted, these terms are intended tohave an inclusive meaning—i.e. they will be taken to mean an inclusionof not only the listed components which the use directly references, butalso to other non-specified components or elements.

Preferably the releasable locking portion is slideably engageable withthe capture means of the rack body.

Conveniently the rack body and releasable locking portion can be formedfrom a folded sheet of plastics material such as perspex, or metal orthe like. Most preferably heat stabilized plastics material or foodgrade stainless steel.

Advantageously the releasable locking portion and the rack body containsnumerous apertures and void areas to facilitate draining of washingwater and subsequent drying.

Desirably the surface of the rack body and/or the releasable lockingportion are adapted to be suitable to carry labels so as to provide areference as to the contents of each glass which may be held in therack. Optionally the reference can be a reference number, or a specificbrief written description. Alternatively the surface can carry a logo,advertising, or other branding.

Preferably the releasable locking portion has a forward end which ischamfered to assist with initial location of the locking portion as itengages the rack body.

The releasable locking portion further includes a rearward end and,optionally, an aperture is provided in the said rearward end to assistin the insertion or removal process. Alternatively, the rearward end canterminate in a handle which can be used to assist in carrying the rack.

Desirably the rack can accommodate a flight of five glasses of the sameshape and configuration. Preferably glasses are able to be accommodatedat equi-spaced intervals along the length of the rack.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example only withreference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1: Shows a front elevation a rack according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention with a number of wine glasses heldin position;

FIG. 2: Shows the same view as FIG. 1, but with no glasses in position;

FIG. 3: Shows a plan view of the embodiment of the invention illustratedin FIG. 2;

FIG. 4: Shows an end view of the embodiment of the invention illustratedin FIG. 2;

FIG. 5: Shows the same view as FIG. 4, but with the releasable lockingslide removed;

FIG. 6: Shows an end view of the releasable locking slide from theembodiment of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7: Shows a side elevation of one embodiment of the locking slidesuitable for use with the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 4;

FIG. 8: Shows a side elevation of an alternative embodiment of thelocking slide suitable for use with the embodiment of the inventionillustrated in FIG. 4;

FIG. 9: Shows the same view as FIG. 4, but with glasses in position;

FIG. 10: Shows the same view as FIG. 5, but with glasses in position;and

FIG. 11: Shows the same view as FIG. 10, but with a glass tilted forwardslightly as it is being removed from the rack.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the drawings, a rack according to a preferred embodiment ofthe invention is illustrated generally at 1.

In its preferred form the invention is adapted to hold wine glasses 10,such as wine tasting glasses, although the invention is not intended tobe solely directed to wine glasses. In that regard it is specificallywithin the contemplation of the invention that a rack incorporating theinventive features could be adapted to hold vessels for tasting anyvariety of consumable liquid products, such as beer, spirits, olive oiland the like provided such vessels have a base portion which is broaderin cross section that some other portion of the vessel further towardsits top.

The rack 1 comprises an elongate rack body 2 and a strip-like releasablelocking portion 3.

The rack body 2 has a base 4 on which, in use, the base 12 of each wineglass 10 can stand. Running along the length of one edge of the base 4of the rack body 2 is a first locating means in the form of a lip 5. Inuse the lip 5 locates against a first sector 11 of the base 12 of eachwine glass 10. A second locating means in the form of a cut-outsections, or notches, 6 in an upstanding section of the rack body 2, inuse, locates against an area of the stem 13 of each wine glass 10.

The rack body 2 further incorporates an engagement means 7, in the formof a recess in the rack body 2, to slideably receive and capture thereleasable locking portion 3.

The locking portion 3 includes a locking means in the form of a lip 8running the length of one side of the locking portion 2 which, when inuse with the releasable locking portion 3 slideably engaged with theengagement means 7 of the rack body 2, engages with a second sector 14of the base 12 of each wine glass 10, said second sector 14 beingopposition the first sector 11.

Once in position each glass 10 is prevented from tipping over throughthe interaction of the sector 11 of the glass base 12 with the lip 5 andsector 14 with the lip 8 of the releasable locking portion 2.

Back and forward sliding motion along the length of the rack 1 isprevented through the interaction between a notch 6 of the rack body 2with the stem 13 of the corresponding glass 10.

In the configuration illustrated in the drawings the rack body 2 isformed from a single folded sheet of material. It will, however, beappreciated that this is not essential to the function of the rack 1.

Referring to the drawings, the lip 5 is folded back at an angle ofpreferably between 30 and 60 degrees from the rack body base 4.

At the opposite side 9 of the base 4 to the lip 5 the sheet upstands atapproximately 90 degrees for a distance, and then bends back at an angleof preferably between 30 and 60 degree, where it extends to a peak 21,then reverses direction downwards for a distance, creating the recess 7,before changing direction again, this time to the horizontal to form aledge 22. As shown in FIG. 3, equi-spaced along the ledge 22 are thesecond locating means in the form of a series of notches 6 shaped toreceive the glass stem 13.

It the preferred form illustrated the locking portion 3 is also formedfrom folded sheet material. Its major part 23 is sized to enable it tobe snugly but slideably received by the rack body 2 between the edge 9of the base 8 and the peak 21 (recess 7).

The lip 8, which runs along the length of the edge 24 of the lockingportion 3, which in use is intended to engage the rack body 2 adjacentthe edge 9, folds back on the major part 23 of the locking portion 3 atan angle of preferably between 30 and 60 degrees.

To facilitate insertion of the locking portion 3 its forward end 26 maybe chamfered. This will assist with initial location. As shown in FIG.7, the locking portion 3 may further include an aperture 27 or the likeat the rearward end 28 to assist in the insertion or removal process.Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the rearward end 28 mayterminate in a handle 29. This handle 29 may also be used to assist incarrying the rack 1 once full.

In the embodiment of the rack 1 illustrated a flight of five glasses isshown. It will, however, be appreciated that racks according to thepresent invention may be designed to accommodate any number of glasses.

In use clean empty glasses 10 are set onto the base 4 of the rack body2. Once all glasses 10 are in position the locking portion 3 is insertedto hold the glasses 10 in place. The glasses 10 can then each be filledwith an appropriate amount of wine. When the taster wishes to taste thewine in a glass 10 the locking portion 3 is withdrawn. The selectedglass 10 is then tilted slightly forward, then lifted up and out passedthe lip 5. It is then tilted back, and then withdrawn by drawing theglass 10 away horizontally from the rack body 2. Replacing the glasses10 employs the reverse action.

Staff engaged in clearing up after a tasting session simply restore theglasses 10 into the rack 1, including inserting the locking portion 3.The rack 1 full of glasses 10 can then be taken as a single unit andplaced in a dishwasher or the like for cleaning.

Although not illustrated, it will be appreciated that areas of either orboth the rack body 2 and the locking portion 3 can be cut away, or haveapertures created therein. Such void spaces are intended to facilitatecleaning—allowing water in a dishwasher to flow in and around not onlythe rack 1, but also the glasses 10.

Manufacture of the rack 1 from plastics material such as Perspex, orfrom metal, for example, is all within the contemplation of theinvention, as is the use of food grade stainless steel—particularlywhere racks loaded with glasses as a completed unit are intended to becleaned in a dishwasher.

While manufacture from a sheet of material has been expressly indicatedinjection moulding and other fabrication techniques are alsocontemplated. Further in that regard, while the embodiment described hasbeen discussed as formed from a sheet, fabrication in more complexconstruction to facilitate draining of washing water and drying etc isalso anticipated.

The rack of the present invention is also ideally suited to carry labelsso as to provide a reference as to the contents of each glass, whetherthat be by a reference number, or a specific brief written description.Alternatively, corporate or winery logos can also be stencilled,embossed or the like onto the rack body and/or the locking portion.

It will be understood that the foregoing description and accompanyingdrawings have been given by way of illustration and example. It is alsoto be understood that changes in form of the several parts, substitutionof equivalent elements, arrangement of parts, and substitution ofequivalent materials, which will be readily apparent to one skilled inthe art, are contemplated as being within the scope of the presentinvention, which is limited only to the claims which follow.

Wherein the foregoing description reference has been made to integers orcomponents having known equivalents then such equivalents are hereinincorporated as if individually set forth.

Although this invention has been described by a way of example ofpossible embodiments, it is to be appreciated that improvements and/ormodifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope ofthe invention as claimed.

1. A rack to, in use, hold at least one drinking vessel, the rack comprising: a rack body; and a releasable locking portion; wherein the rack body includes: a first locating means to, in use, locate against a first sector of the base of each said drinking vessel, a second locating means to, in use, locate against a portion of each said drinking vessel upstanding from the vessel base, and capture means to releasably capture the releasable locking portion, and wherein the releasable locking portion includes: first engagement means to engage with the capture means of the rack body, and second engagement means to, in use, engage with a second sector of each said vessel base such that once in position each said vessel is prevented from moving in two perpendicular directions as a consequence of interaction between the vessel base, the second engagement means of the releasable locking portion, and the first locating means of the rack body, and is prevented from moving in a third perpendicular direction as a consequence of interaction between the second locating means of the rack body and the upstanding portion of the said vessel.
 2. A rack according to claim 1 wherein the releasable locking portion is slidably engageable with the capture means of the rack body.
 3. A rack according to claim 1, wherein the rack body is formed from a folded sheet of plastics material or metal.
 4. A rack according to claim 3 wherein a material used to manufacture the rack body is either a heat stabilized plastics material or a food grade stainless steel.
 5. A rack according to claim 1, wherein the releasable locking portion and the rack body contains numerous apertures and void areas to facilitate draining of washing water and subsequent drying.
 6. A rack according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the surface of the rack body or the releasable locking portion are adapted to be suitable to carry labels so as to provide a reference as to the contents of each drinking vessel which may be held in the rack.
 7. A rack according to claim 6 wherein the reference is in the form of a reference number, or a specific brief written description.
 8. A rack according to claim 6 wherein at least a part of a surface of the rack body or the releasable locking portion carries a logo, advertising, or other branding.
 9. A rack according to claim 1, wherein the releasable locking portion has a forward end which is chamfered to assist with initial location of the locking portion as the forward end engages the rack body.
 10. A rack according to claim 1, wherein the releasable locking portion further includes a rearward end and an aperture is provided in the rearward end to assist in the insertion or removal process.
 11. A rack according to claim 1, wherein the releasable locking portion further includes a rearward end which terminates in a handle which is used to assist in carrying the rack.
 12. A rack according to claim 1, wherein the rack accommodates a set of five drinking vessels of the same shape and configuration.
 13. A rack according to claim 12 wherein the drinking vessels are accommodated at equi-spaced intervals along the length of the rack.
 14. An assembly comprising: the rack according to claim 1; and the at least one drinking vessel.
 15. (canceled) 